30 Best Microwave ovens (2017) in all Shapes, Sizes and Budgets

After having learned how to control Microwaves, one of the first uses (after telecom) was to use it for cooking at homes.

The equipment was named as “microwave oven” but most of the time “oven” is dropped. Since its first commercial launch, the growth of this equipment is phenomenal.

Also, as it was growing, several variants were made and many features were developed. As of now there are hundreds of varieties from tons of companies.

So when anyone tries to buy microwave online he struggles to know what’s best right now. To make it easy for you we have analyzed and come up with best rated microwave ovens for home use from across all types and makes.

Below are top rated microwaves below $500

GE PROFILE SERIES PVM9005SJSS MICROWAVE OVEN, Price $501.00

This Stainless Steel microwave from GE is one of our top contenders for best microwaves 2017. PVM9005SJSS microwave is an over the range type of microwave. It is rated at 1050 watts and its internal capacity is 2.1 cubic foot which is quite good for a large family or for cooking multiple food items together. This rack-less turn table only microwave can cook with steam. The control panel is nice and beautiful electronic with LEDs to show the status of the microwave

DCS M0-24SS-2 MICROWAVE OVEN, Price $499.00

This sleek looking microwave oven by DCS, which is a Fisher & Paykel company, is designed for comfort. It can be installed as either free standing or built-in. It is rated at 1200 watts which is a good amount of power for cooking in a 2 cubic foot enclosure. It has electronic controls with LEDs to show the status of the microwave. This turn table type of microwave also has safety features such as child safety lock.

Key features:

This microwave oven has 11 power levels giving the flexibility to cook different dishes at the right wattage for best taste.

It has a large turntable and a button to switch it ON/OFF

It has a rich automatic sensor based menu comprising of most popular 5 breakfast, 5 lunch and 5 dinner items, 5 quick recipes and 2 controls for bevarages.

Key specifications:

Microwave Dimensions (WxHxD in inches): 24 x 13 3/8 x 19 1/8

Cavity Dimensions (WxHxD in inches): 17 3/8 x 10 1/4 x 18 5/8

Automatic Sensor: Yes

Child safety lock: Yes

Multi Stage Cooking: Yes

Number of auto menus: 10

Auto defrost: Yes

Speed cook or combination mode: Yes

Pre heat: No

Timer: Yes

Sharp R1875T MICROWAVE, Price $497.02

This over the range microwave oven from Sharp comes with both, turn table as well as racks. It has two racks which are removable. This microwave is rated at 850 watts and has internal capacity of 1.1 cubic foot. This makes Sharp R1875T microwave as a very good option to consider for a medium sized family. It has very easy to use electronic controls and an LED panel to show the status of the microwave.

Key features:

It has 11 power levels which gives good flexibility to use the right wattage depending on the dish.

Its exhaust system offers three convenient venting options to re-circulate air inside the microwave. The options which people can use are horizontal, vertical and ductless.

It has a 4 way convection system which browns, bakes, broils and crisps.

Key specifications:

Microwave Dimensions (WxHxD in inches): 15.4 x 16.3 x 29.9

Cavity Dimensions (WxHxD in inches): 13.8 x 8.2 x 17.2

Control panel: Electronic (LED)

Automatic Sensor: Yes

Child safety lock: Yes

Multi Stage Cooking: Yes

Number of auto menus: 25

Auto defrost: Yes

Speed cook or combination mode: Yes

Pre heat: Yes

Timer: Yes

Panasonic NE-1022F MICROWAVE, Price $423.21

This Panasonic microwave oven comes in 2 variants. One (this one) is with mechanical controls and other is with touch screen controls. Even though Panasonic classifies it as a commercial microwave oven, we think that it will also be suitable for large homes or hostels etc. This counter top microwave is rated at 1000 Watts and its internal capacity is 0.8 cubic foot. It doesn’t have turn table or racks. Basically it is good amount of power being used to cook in a relatively smaller place. This makes it very efficient.

Key features:

It is a NSF and UL qualified microwave oven.

It has ‘grab and go’ handles for easy and fast use. Plus such handle design makes handle more durable.

Mechanical controls make it more durable.

Key specifications:

Microwave Dimensions (WxHxD in inches): 20 1/8 x 12 x 16 1/2

Cavity Dimensions (WxHxD in inches): 13 x 8 1/16 x 13

Automatic Sensor: No

Child safety lock: No

Multi Stage Cooking: Yes

Number of auto menus: 0

Auto defrost: No

Speed cook or combination mode: No

Pre heat: No

Timer: Yes

Amana RCS10TS MICROWAVE, Price $420

ACP has made this counter top microwave oven really durable and easy to maintain. It is made of stainless steel both externally and internally. It doesn’t have turn table or racks, so the user is free to use the entire 1.2 cubic foot of cavity freely. The mechanical control panel adds to the durability aspect of this basic but powerful microwave for those who just wants to cook, and cook lots very easily.

Key features:

It has grab and go handle.

The door has tempered glass which is reliable, long lasting and helps in clear monitoring

It has 5 power levels

Key specifications:

Microwave Dimensions (WxHxD in inches): 22 x 13 7/8 x 19

Cavity Dimensions (WxHxD in inches): 14 1/2 x 15 x 8 1/2

Automatic Sensor: No

Child safety lock: No

Multi Stage Cooking: Yes

Number of auto menus: 0

Auto defrost: Yes

Speed cook or combination mode: Yes

Steam Cooking: No

Pre heat: No

Timer: Yes

Below is the second category of microwaves which are priced below $400.

LG LMHM2237ST MICROWAVE, Price $379.99

This is one of the best rated microwave ovens from LG. This over-the-range Stainless Steel microwave comes in 2 colors Stainless Steel and black Stainless Steel. The 1000 watts rating, the turn table and racks, in a 2.2 cubic foot of space makes this very attractive to anyone who just wants to cook tasty dishes.

Panasonic NN-SN643S MICROWAVE, Price $369.00

The Panasonic NN-SN643S has Panasonic in-house Microwave Inverter technology. This technology delivers a seamless stream of cooking power. This counter top microwave, having capacity of 1.2 cubic foot, is rated at 1250 watts. Its electronic controls are smooth to touch and the LED panel tells the status of the microwave. It has a turn table to help cooking evenly.

Key features:

Advanced Inverter Turbo Defrost significantly reduces defrosting time

Automatic sensor adjusts power and times suitable for different foods

Make food preparation simpler with 12 preset menu items

Key specifications:

Microwave Dimensions (WxHxD in inches): 12 1/4 x 20 11/16 x 15 13/16

Cavity Dimensions (WxHxD in inches): 9 15/16 x 13 15/16 x 14 3/8

Automatic Sensor: Yes

Child safety lock: Yes

Multi Stage Cooking: Yes

Number of auto menus: 12

Auto defrost: No

Speed cook or combination mode: Yes

Pre heat: No

Timer: Yes

GE PEB7226EHES MICROWAVE , Price $354.83

Like with other GE microwaves, this microwave oven also comes with a sleek matching trim kit. This counter top microwave has electronic control panel which responds to quite gentle touch, and the responsive LED panel shows the status of the microwave. It is rated at 1250 watts and has a good 2.2 cubic foot cooking capacity. It also has a turn table which helps in cooking evenly.

Key features:

Simply enter the weight of the food, and the oven automatically sets the optimal defrosting time and power level or set your desired time for defrosting

Rotates food throughout the cycle and accommodates large cookware

One-touch instant operation including locking

Child safety lock helps prevent accidental operation

Key specifications:

Microwave Dimensions (WxHxD in inches): 19 3/4 x 14 x 24 1/8

Cavity Dimensions (WxHxD in inches): 17 x 11-5/8 x 18-7/8

Automatic Sensor: Yes

Child safety lock: No

Multi Stage Cooking: Yes

Number of auto menus: 10

Auto defrost: No

Speed cook or combination mode: No

Pre heat: No

Timer: Yes

GE JVM7195DFCC COMPANY MODEL MICROWAVE, Price $369.00

This over-the-range microwave from LG is rated at 1100 Watts. It has a decent 1.9 cubic foot capacity which has both, racks and turn table. So the user can simultaneously cook something on the turn table below and cook something else in the racks in the upper half. It has electronic controls and an LED panel to show microwaves status. It can cook with steam which very few microwaves can do.

Key features:

It has power saving mode which reduces the power consumption

It has dedicated button for steaming, and an auto menu of 7 dishes. This is of great convenience for those who normally eat those 7 food items regularly.

It has 10 different power levels which help to set the correct power level depending on the food item.

Key specifications:

Microwave Dimensions (WxHxD in inches):29 3/4 x 16 1/2 x 15 1/2

Cavity Dimensions (WxHxD in inches): 20 7/8 x 10 7/8 x 14 1/2

Automatic Sensor: Yes

Child safety lock: Yes

Multi Stage Cooking: Yes

Number of auto menus: 33

Auto defrost: No

Speed cook or combination mode: Yes

Pre heat: No

Timer: Yes

GE JVM7195DFBB MICROWAVE, Price $329.99

This full black Over-the-range microwave from GE, having capacity of 1.9 cubic foot is designed around medium sized family. It has very easy to operate electronic control panel which includes LED display for showing status of the microwave. It has a turn table as well as removable racks which gives lots of cooking flexibility to the user. In addition to this, it can also cook by steam.

Key features:

The power saver mode reduces the power consumption.

This microwave has a dedicated button for steaming 7 food items which can be of great convenience for people who regularly eat those food items.

Depending on the food item, you can choose the most appropriate power level from the available 10 different power levels.

Key specifications:

Microwave Dimensions (WxHxD in inches): 29 3/4 x 16 1/2 x 15 1/2

Cavity Dimensions (WxHxD in inches): 20 7/8 x 10 7/8 x 14 1/2

Automatic Sensor: Yes

Child safety lock: Yes

Multi Stage Cooking: Yes

Number of auto menus: 33

Auto defrost: No

Speed cook or combination mode: Yes

Pre heat: No

Timer: Yes

Sharp R-530EST MICROWAVE, Price $324.47

Considering the design aspects as well as its specifications and features, we can confidently say that this counter top microwave is designed for convenience. Its electronic controls are very smooth and easy to operate while the LED panel shows the microwave status. The turn table helps to cook evenly in its 2 cubic foot enclosure and the 1200 Watts rating delivers good power to cook.

Sharp R21LVF MICROWAVE, Price $319.99

This counter top microwave is actually a medium duty commercial microwave but it can be very useful for larger families. It is rated at 1000 Watts and has capacity of 1 cubic foot. Its control panel is electronic with LED display to show microwave status.

Key features:

The ‘double quantity’ feature lets you cook twice the amount of the same food in on shot.

It has an ‘express defrost’ mode. Using this mode meat and poultry can be defrosted faster and better.

It has on ‘demonstration mode’ which can be very helpful until the user learns the operations properly.

Key specifications:’

Microwave Dimensions (WxHxD in inches): 20-1/2 x 12-1/8 x 16

Cavity Dimensions (WxHxD in inches): 13-7/8 x 8-1/8 x 14-5/8

Automatic Sensor: No

Child safety lock: No

Multi Stage Cooking: Yes

Number of auto menus: 10 + 10 more user programmable

Auto defrost: No

Speed cook or combination mode: No

Pre heat: No

Timer: Yes

Gallery FGMO205K MICROWAVE, Price $309.99

This built-in 1200 Watts rated microwave from Frigidaire is available in three wonderful and equally beautiful plain colors, white, black and grey. Its internal capacity of 2 cubic foot gives sufficient space to install a turn table at the bottom and a rack at the top half of the enclosure. It is controlled electronically with an LED panel to display microwaves status.

GE Profile JES2251SJ MICROWAVE, Price $287.95

JES2251SJ microwave is rated at 1200 watts and it has capacity of 2.2 cubic foot. This makes this counter top microwave perfect for large families or for those people who normally have few visitors all the time. Turn table also helps in cooking food evenly and electronic controls with dedicated buttons make it very easy to operate.

Key features:

It has extra large (16 inch) turntable which can handle large cookware.

Its ‘inverter defrosts’ technology gives consistent heat throughout the microwave. This gives better defrosting than the traditional.

Its control are designed such that they instantly work in just one touch instantly

Key specifications:

Microwave Dimensions (WxHxD in inches): 24 x 13 3/4 x 19 1/2

Cavity Dimensions (WxHxD in inches): 18 1/2 x 11 x 18 1/2

Automatic Sensor: Yes

Child safety lock: Yes

Multi Stage Cooking: Yes

Number of auto menus: 18

Auto defrost: Yes

Speed cook or combination mode: No

Pre heat: No

Timer: Yes

LG LCRT2010BD MICROWAVE, Price $279.99

This sleek looking, electronically operated microwave from LG is available in two colors, Stainless Steel and Black Stainless Steel. Both have turn table. Most of the people go for the Black Stainless Steel because it looks gorgeous on top of the kitchen counter. It is rated at 1200 Watts and has capacity of 2 cubic foot.

Key features:

It has ‘EasyClean’ interiors meaning the cavity is rounded near edges. This makes it very easy to clean.

It is ADA compliant.

You can choose any of the 10 power options to make best tasting dishes.

PANASONIC NN-SE782S MICROWAVE, Price $250.52

NN-SE782S is a classy looking microwave belonging to Genius “Prestige” category of Panasonic microwaves. It has easy to use and feather touch electronic controls. It is rated at 1250 Watts which cooks food in 1.6 cubic foot enclosure. This makes it pretty efficient. It comes as counter top or built-in.

Key features:

The inverter technology cooks food evenly.

It has Turbo defrost which defrosts quickly.

It has elegant and sleek control panel with an electrostatic touch dial.

Key specifications:

Microwave Dimensions (HxWxD in inches): 11 15/16 x 21 7/8 x 19 7/16

Cavity Dimensions (HxWxD in inches): 9 x 16 7/16 x 18 1/2

Automatic Sensor: Yes

Child safety lock: Yes

Multi Stage Cooking: Yes

Number of auto menus: Not disclosed in specifications.

Auto defrost: No

Speed cook or combination mode: No

Pre heat: No

Timer: Yes

GE JNM3163RJSS MICROWAVE, Price $233.6

This over-the-range microwave from GE having re-circulating venting is available in three colors: Black, White and Stainless Steel. Its table top in the 1.6 cubic foot cavity helps to cook evenly with the 1000 Watts rated cooking power. It has electronic control panel.

Key features:

It has convenient controls for cooking

The auto defrost has pre-programmed power level

It has On/Off control for turntable

Key specifications:

Microwave Dimensions (WxHxD in inches): 29 7/8 x 16 7/16 x 15 7/8

Cavity Dimensions (WxHxD in inches): 19 1/2 x 10 15/16 x 14 3/16

Automatic Sensor: No

Child safety lock: No

Multi Stage Cooking: Yes

Number of auto menus: 0

Auto defrost: Yes

Speed cook or combination mode: Yes

Pre heat: No

Timer: Yes

LG LCRT1513SW MICROWAVE, Price $220.49

This sleek looking 1100 Watts rated microwave comes in three colors: Black, White and Stainless Steel. Its capacity is 1.5 cubic foot which conveniently makes it a counter top microwave. Its controls are electronic which has many dedicated buttons for different operations.

Key features:

It has a set of buttons called ‘More/Less’. These can be used to make the cooking time longer or shorter

The EasyClean interior gives you better cleaning faster.

Its round cavity makes it easier for you to keep large rounded containers in it.

Key specifications:

Microwave Dimensions (WxHxD in inches): 21 7/8 x 12 1/2 x 17 7/32

Cavity Dimensions (WxHxD in inches): 15 21/32 x 10 7/16 x 15 27/32

Automatic Sensor: Yes

Child safety lock: Yes

Multi Stage Cooking: Yes

Number of auto menus: 9

Auto defrost: No

Speed cook or combination mode: No

Pre heat: No

Timer: Yes

GE JNM3163DJBB MICROWAVE, Price $215.9

JNM3163DJBB over-the-range microwave from GE has re-circulating venting. It is available in three colors: Black, White and Stainless Steel. It comes with a turn table which helps to cook food evenly. It is rated at 1000 Watts and it has internal capacity of 1.6 cubic foot.

Key features:

It has two speed 300-CFM venting system helps remove smoke, odor and steam.

Panasonic NN-SD945S MICROWAVE, Price $206.6

NN-SD945S Panasonic microwave, rated at 1250 Watts, complies with DOE energy conservation standards. Its capacity is 2.2 cubic foot and it comes as counter top or built-in. It also has turn table to help cooking evenly.

Key features:

Its patented inverter technology delivers seamless cooking power which helps in precise cooking.

It has turbo defrost thaws food more quickly and evenly.

Its keep warm feature keeps the food warm until you are ready to serve,

GE JEM3072SHSS MICROWAVE, Price $199.00

JEM3072SHSS counter top microwave comes with an optional hanging kit which helps in freeing counter space. This microwave has a turn table which helps in cooking evenly inside 0.7 cubic foot space being bombarded with Microwaves rated at 700 Watts. It has electronic control panel for easy operation.

Key features:

It has auto and time defrost using which the defrost power and time can be either pre-programmed or entered manually.

It has instant control lockout facility which prevents accidental activation of the microwave.

Panasonic NN-SN736W MICROWAVE, Price $163.99

NN-SN736W counter top 1.6 cubic foot capacity microwave from Panasonic complies with DOE energy conservation standards. It is rated at 1250 Watts and it comes with a turn table which is helpful for cooking evenly from all sides. Its controls are electronic.

Key features:

Its patented inverter technology delivers seamless cooking power which helps in precise cooking.

It has turbo defrost thaws food more quickly and evenly.

It has membrane keypad for easy programming.

Key specifications:

Microwave Dimensions (HxWxD in inches): 11 15/16 x 21 7/8 x 19 7/16

Cavity Dimensions (HxWxD in inches): 9 x 16 7/16 x 18 1/2

Automatic Sensor: Yes

Child safety lock: Yes

Multi Stage Cooking: Yes

Number of auto menus: 14

Auto defrost: No

Speed cook or combination mode: No

Pre heat: No

Timer: Yes

Now we will see examples of few best rated microwave ovens which are priced under $150.

GE JEM3072DHWW MICROWAVE, Price $149.10

EM3072DHWW counter top microwave comes in three colors: Black, White and Stainless Steel. This electronically controlled microwave is rated at 700 Watts. It has 0.7 cubic foot capacity and it comes with a turn table.

It has auto and time defrost using which the defrost power and time can be either pre-programmed or entered manually.

It has instant control lockout facility which prevents accidental activation of the microwave.

Every control in this microwave is one touch instant control.

Key specifications:

Microwave Dimensions (WxHxD in inches): 17 1/4 x 10 1/8 x 13

Cavity Dimensions (WxHxD in inches): 12 x 8 3/16 x 12

Automatic Sensor: No

Child safety lock: No

Multi Stage Cooking: Yes

Number of auto menus: 4

Auto defrost: Yes

Speed cook or combination mode: Yes

Pre heat: No

Timer: Yes

Here is couple of good microwave ovens in the lowest price segment of below $100.

GE JES1072SHSS MICROWAVE, Price $99.51

JES1072SHSS is one of the most economic microwaves from GE. It is counter top with 0.7 cubic foot capacity and having power rating of 700 Watts. It is controlled electronically and it comes with a turn table.

This neat looking counter top LG microwave comes in 3 colors: Black, White and Stainless Steel. It comes with only turn table and doesn’t have racks. This electronically controlled microwave is rated at 1100 Watts and it has a capacity of 1.5 cubic foot.

It has Eco-on feature which saves power when the microwave is not in use.

It has EasyClean interiors which makes cleaning faster and better

Key specifications:

Microwave Dimensions (WxHxD in inches): 21 7/8 x 12 1/2 x 17 7/32

Cavity Dimensions (WxHxD in inches): 15 21/32 x 10 7/16 x 15 27/32

Automatic Sensor: No

Child safety lock: No

Multi Stage Cooking: Yes

Number of auto menus: 9

Auto defrost: Yes

Speed cook or combination mode: No

Pre heat: No

Timer: Yes

So that was the best among the best at different price points. We know that there are many more that deserves to be in the list. However, it is practically impossible for anyone to include and keep it doing continuously. Even though this list isn’t exhaustive, we still hope that it will give a very good idea about the best microwaves 2017. It is completely your choice whether you buy it from store or you buy microwave online.

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